Request for Applicants for Appointment to the Commercial Customs Operations Advisory Committee

U.S. Customs and Border Protection ("CBP") is requesting that individuals who are interested in serving on the Commercial Customs Operations Advisory Committee ("COAC") apply for appointment. COAC provides advice and makes recommendations to the Secretaries of the Department of the Treasury (Treasury) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on all matters involving the commercial operations of CBP and related functions. Applications for membership should be submitted to CBP on or before July 24, 2017.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015 re-established the COAC. The COAC is an advisory committee established in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, 5 U.S.C. Appendix. The COAC shall advise the Secretaries of the Treasury and DHS on the commercial operations of CBP and related Treasury and DHS functions. In accordance with Section 109 of the Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act, the COAC shall:

(1) Advise the Secretaries of the Treasury and DHS on all matters involving the commercial operations of CBP, including advising with respect to significant changes that are proposed with respect to regulations, policies, or practices of CBP;

(2) provide recommendations to the Secretaries of the Treasury and DHS on improvements to the commercial operations of CBP;

(3) collaborate in developing the agenda for COAC meetings; and

(4) perform such other functions relating to the commercial operations of CBP as prescribed by law or as the Secretaries of the Treasury and DHS jointly direct.

The COAC consists of 20 members who are selected from representatives of the trade or transportation community served by CBP or others who are directly affected by CBP commercial operations and related functions. The members shall represent the interests of individuals and firms affected by the commercial operations of CBP, and without regard to political affiliation. The members will be appointed by the Secretaries of the Treasury and DHS from candidates recommended by the Commissioner of CBP. In addition, members will represent major regions of the country.

The COAC meets at least once each quarter, although additional meetings may be scheduled. Generally, every other meeting of the COAC may be held outside of Washington, DC, usually at a CBP port of entry. The members are not reimbursed for travel or per diem.